Wireless Circuitry for Non-Contiguous Channel Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless local area network (WLAN) communication systems face challenges in flexible multichannel operation, particularly in finding available non-contiguous channels for data transmission, leading to inefficiencies in bandwidth usage and potential interference among different WiFi systems.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a circuitry that determines a list of available channels for data transmission, transmits a request packet with a candidate channel list, and receives a response packet to select common available channels for both transmitter and receiver, allowing data transmission via single or multiple contiguous or non-contiguous channels, thereby enhancing flexibility and bandwidth utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single 20MHz operation is imposed, then system complexity is reduced, but data transmission rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple 20MHz channels that can be independently selected and combined. Instead of operating on a single contiguous channel, the system divides the available spectrum into discrete channel units (20MHz each) that can be individually assessed for availability and then combined to form the transmission bandwidth, enabling flexible multichannel operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection where the transmitter and receiver independently determine which channels are available at their respective locations. The system dynamically adapts the channel configuration based on real-time channel availability assessments, allowing the transmission bandwidth to be flexibly adjusted rather than fixed to contiguous channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If bonding of two 20MHz contiguous channels is used, then data transmission rate increases, but availability of wide contiguous frequency resources decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidavailability of wide contiguous frequency resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent breaks down the requirement for wide contiguous channels into smaller 20MHz channel segments. Instead of needing one large contiguous block, the system segments the frequency resources into manageable units that can be independently selected, allowing transmission over non-contiguous channels while achieving equivalent total bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional contiguous channel approach to a multi-dimensional channel selection approach. Channels are selected from multiple possible frequency locations (different dimensions in the frequency space) rather than being constrained to a single contiguous block, enabling flexible assembly of transmission bandwidth from scattered available channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multichannel operation on non-contiguous channels is implemented, then flexibility and bandwidth utilization improve, but channel selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and bandwidth utilizationVSAvoidchannel selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary channel availability assessment at both transmitter and receiver locations before establishing the data transmission link. By预先 determining which channels are available at each location and exchanging this information through control messages, the system resolves the channel selection complexity in advance, allowing the actual data transmission to proceed on pre-agreed non-contiguous channels without real-time coordination overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If wide contiguous frequency resources are required, then high data rates are achieved, but interference among different WiFi systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh data ratesVSAvoidinterference among different WiFi systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple 20MHz channels that can be independently selected. Instead of requiring one large contiguous block that may overlap with other WiFi systems, the system divides the bandwidth into smaller units and selects only those channels that are currently available and not occupied by other transmissions, thereby achieving high data rates while reducing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the channel configuration parameters dynamically based on spectrum availability. Rather than using fixed wide contiguous channels, the system adjusts the channel selection parameters (which specific 20MHz channels to use, whether contiguous or non-contiguous) based on real-time conditions, allowing high data rate transmission on available channels while avoiding occupied frequencies and reducing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3490321B1Circuitry for multiple channel operation
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3490321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3490321B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3490321B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A circuitry for transmitting data to a receiver in a wireless local area network communication system, comprising: a candidate channel determination portion configured to determine a candidate channel list including at least one channel being available for transmission at the transmitter; a transmitting portion configured to transmit a request packet including said candidate channel list; and a receiving portion configured to receive at least one response packet via at least one selected channel included in the candidate channel list from at least one receiver in response to the request packet, said at least one selected channel being available for reception at the at least one receiver; wherein the transmitting portion is configured to transmit a data packet to the receiver via the at least one selected channel after receiving the response packet.